Method and pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer

ABSTRACT

A method of treating a subject suffering from cancer includes administering an effective amount of a RNA molecule to the subject, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus  Taxus . A method of inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells includes contacting cancer cells with the RNA molecule; and a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer includes the RNA molecule and a pharmaceutically tolerable excipient. Also a double-stranded RNA molecule and a recombinant vector include the double-stranded RNA molecule.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing file entitled “sequencelisting” having a size of 43,663 bytes and a creation date of Sep. 4, 2018, that was filed with the patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject suffering from cancer by administering a nucleic acid to the subject. Said nucleic acid is in particular but not exclusively a RNA molecule. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid for the treatment and use thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancer has become the most common disease causing death worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been applied for treating and preventing cancer whereas lots of research efforts have been contributed to investigate the effectiveness of isolated small molecules such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids or the like in treating cancer. Some alkaloids are found to have effect in inhibiting cancer such as by enhancing the efficacy of an anti-cancer drug. However, most of them are often toxic to human. Also, macromolecules such as DNAs, RNAs, and proteins are generally considered unstable and have poor effect in living human body and therefore have not been widely considered as suitable in said treatment.

Currently, some studies show that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have diverse regulatory roles through targeting different aspects of RNA transcription or post-transcription process in nearly all eukaryotic organisms. Mlotshwa, S. et al. (Cell research 2015, 25 (4), 521-4) suggested that exogenous plant microRNAs in foods could be taken up by the mammalian digestive tract and trafficked via the bloodstream to a variety of tissue cells, where they are capable of regulating the expression of mammalian genes. Goodarzi, H. et al. (Cell 2015, 161 (4), 790-802) revealed that endogenous tRNA derived fragments could suppress the stability of multiple oncogenic transcripts in breast cancer cells through binding and antagonizing activities of pathogenesis-related RNA-binding proteins. Nevertheless, there still remains a need to derive effective molecules from various sources such as plants for treatments.

Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei, a species from the family of Taxaceae, is an ornamental evergreen shrub or tree widely distributed in high elevations of China. As an important medicinal plant, it has been exploited for production of small molecular anti-cancer drugs such as paclitaxel which is also called Taxol. However, patients have been found to develop resistance against commonly used drugs including Taxol and therefore there remains a continuing need for new and improved treatments for patients with cancer and for those having resistance against commonly used drugs and/or associated with different complications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from cancer, said method comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a RNA molecule said subject. The RNA molecule administered according to the invention is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.

In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.

Preferably, the RNA molecule of the invention has a sequence length of from about 50 to 200 nucleotides or 10 to 30 base pairs.

In an embodiment, the RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule in particular a transfer RNA molecule.

In an alternative embodiment, the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, and a complementary antisense sequence.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells comprising a step of contacting said cancer cells with an effective amount of a RNA molecule isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.

In an example embodiment, the cancer cells of the present invention are ovarian cancer cells, liver cancer cells, breast cancer cells, colorectal cancer cells, or lung cancer cells.

In a further aspect, the invention pertains to a pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer. The pharmaceutical composition comprises an RNA molecule and a pharmaceutically tolerable excipient, wherein said RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.

Still further, the invention relates to a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, a complementary antisense sequence, and optionally a 3′ overhang.

In another aspect, the invention pertains to a recombinant vector comprising the double-stranded RNA molecule.

The invention provides a novel and effective approach for treating cancers from various origins by administration of a RNA molecule that is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus, or in particular a RNA molecule comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to 100. Administration of said RNA molecule is also suitable for inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells. The inventors have found that non-coding RNA molecules isolated from a plant of the genus Taxus, particularly transfer RNA molecules, and RNA molecules derived from Taxus are particularly useful in treatment of cancer. The RNA molecules with a sequence length of about 10 to 200 nucleotides are highly effective at inhibiting growth and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and exhibit an antitumor effect in vivo. Said RNA molecules are also effective against Taxol-resistant cell lines. Further, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the RNA molecule that is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus and a pharmaceutically tolerant excipient can act directly on the cancer cells or tumor, and therefore can have a faster-acting therapeutic effect.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of the steps or features.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows gel electrophoresis profiles of RNA molecules from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei, including low range RNA markers (denoted as “Ladder”), small RNA molecules, and transfer RNA^(TrP(CCA)) in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing read length distribution of transfer RNAs from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a bar chart showing the cytotoxicity of 25 nM RNA molecules tRNA^(His(GUG)), tRNA^(Glu(UUC)), tRNA^(Trp(CCA)), tRNA^(Leu(CAA)), or tRNA^(Arg(ACG)) from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei on A2780 cell line, HepG2 cell line, and MCF-7 cell line compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group where a transfection reagent was added to the cells, in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 4A is a bar chart showing the cell viability of A2780 cells after treatment with a RNA molecule tRNA^(TrP(CCA)) at different concentrations, i.e. 0.78 nM, 1.56 nM, 3.13 nM, 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM and 25 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 4B is a bar chart showing the cell viability of A2780 cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5A is a bar chart showing the cell viability of A2780 cells after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 22 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5B is a bar chart showing the cell viability of A2780 cells after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 19 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5C is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A2780 cells (denoted as A2780T cells) after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 22 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5D is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A2780T cells after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 19 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5E is a bar chart showing cell viability of HCT-8 cells after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 22 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 5F is a bar chart showing cell viability of Taxol-resistant HCT-8 cells (denoted as HCT-8T cells) after treatment with different RNA molecules derived from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei with a sequence length of 22 bp at a dose of 50 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6A is a bar chart showing the cell viability of A2780 cells after treatment with RNA molecule HC11 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6B is a bar chart showing the cell viability A2780 cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM and 200 nM, compared to a control group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6C is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A2780T cells after treatment with RNA molecule HC11 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM and 200 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6D is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A2780T cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations, i.e. 0.16 μM, 0.8 μM, 4 μM, 20 μM and 100 μM, compared to a control group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6E is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A549T cells after treatment with RNA molecule HC11 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM and 200 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6F is a bar chart showing the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A549T cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations, i.e. 0.032 μM, 0.16 μM, 0.8 μM, 4 μM, 20 μM and 100 μM, compared to a control group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6G is a bar chart showing the cell viability of HCT-8 cells after treatment with RNA molecule HC36 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6H is a bar chart showing the cell viability of HCT-8 cells after treatment with RNA molecule HC37 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 6I is a bar chart showing the cell viability of HCT-8 cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations, i.e. 50 nM, 100 nM, 200 nM, 300 nM, 400 nM and 500 nM, compared to a control group in accordance with an example embodiment (mean±SD n=3; *, p<0.05, **, p<0.001 vs. vehicle control).

FIG. 7A is a line graph showing the ratio of tumor volume of xenograft implanted A2780 cells in mice over time, in which the mice were treated with RNA molecule HC11 or HC30 with atelocollagen at a dose of 2.4 mg/kg once a week, compared to 1 mg/kg Taxol and a control group.

FIG. 7B is a line graph showing the ratio of weight changes of mice having xenograft implanted A2780 cells, in which the mice were treated with RNA molecule HC11 or HC30 with atelocollagen at a dose of 2.4 mg/kg once a week, compared to 1 mg/kg Taxol and a control group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which the invention belongs.

As used herein, “comprising” means including the following elements but not excluding others. “Essentially consisting of” means that the material consists of the respective element along with usually and unavoidable impurities such as side products and components usually resulting from the respective preparation or method for obtaining the material such as traces of further components or solvents. “Consisting of” means that the material solely consists of, i.e. is formed by the respective element. As used herein, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention in the first aspect provides a method of treating a subject suffering from cancer. The method comprises a step of administering an effective amount of a RNA molecule to said subject. The RNA molecule administered according to the present invention may be naturally present, modified or artificially synthesized according to the sequences disclosed in the present invention, and preferably the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus. The RNA molecule of the present invention is not provided in the form of boiled extract obtained from the plant such as decoction, as it would be appreciated that RNA molecule is susceptible to spontaneous degradation at elevated temperature, alkaline pH, and the presence of nucleases or divalent metal ions. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule of the present invention is provided together with a gene delivery carrier which will be described in detail later.

The RNA molecule of the present invention has a sequence length of from about 10 to 200 nucleotides which can be regarded as a small RNA molecule. Preferably, the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 50 to about 200 nucleotides, from about 60 to about 150 nucleotides, in particular from about 70 to about 100 nucleotides.

The RNA molecule of the present invention comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. The term “functional variant” of the RNA molecule refers to a molecule substantially similar to said RNA molecule with one or more sequence alterations that do not affect the biological activity or function of the RNA molecule. The alterations in sequence that do not affect the functional properties of the resultant RNA molecules are well known in the art. For example, nucleotide changes which result in alteration of the -5′-terminal and -3′-terminal portions of the molecules would not be expected to alter the activity of the polynucleotides. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule of the present invention comprises at least one modified nucleoside selected from inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N6-methyladenosine, N6-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N6-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N6-methyladenosine.

In particular, the functional variant of the RNA molecule has at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% overall sequence identity to the non-variant RNA molecule according to the present invention.

The term “homologue” used herein refers to nucleotides having a sequence identity of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% to the RNA molecules according to the present invention. In an embodiment, the homologue of the RNA molecule has at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% overall sequence identity to the RNA molecule.

In an embodiment, the RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule preferably selected from a transfer RNA molecule, a ribosomal RNA molecule, a micro RNA molecule, a siRNA molecule, or a piwi-interacting RNA molecule; and more preferably is a transfer RNA molecule. tRNA molecules are highly conserved RNAs with function in various cellular processes such as reverse transcription, porphyrin biosynthesis or the like. In a particular embodiment, the RNA molecule of the invention comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or the RNA molecule comprises SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 205 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or the RNA molecule consists of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 205 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.

In an alternative embodiment where the RNA molecule is a small RNA molecule having a sequence length of from about 10 to about 30 base pairs, from about 15 to about 25 base pairs, from about 19 to about 22 base pairs, 19 base pairs or 22 base pairs. The RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, in particular SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or consists of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100, in particular SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. Preferably, the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule having a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, and a complementary antisense sequence. The antisense sequence is complementary to the sense sequence and therefore the antisense sequence is preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 101 to 200 or functional variant or homologue thereof. In a particular embodiment, the double-stranded RNA molecule of the present invention has a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, and a complementary antisense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 101 to SEQ ID NO: 136 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. The inventors unexpectedly found that the double-stranded RNA molecules of the present invention are particularly useful in treatment of cancer such as Taxol-resistant cancer as described in detail below.

The RNA molecule of the present invention is preferably isolated or derived from the plant of the genus Taxus. The plant of the genus Taxus includes but is not limited to Taxus baccata, Taxus brevifolia, Taxus chinensis, Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei, Taxus yunanensis, Taxus wallischiana, Taxus cuspidate, Taxus sumatrana, Taxus globasa, Taxus canadensis, and Taxus floridana. The plant of the genus Taxus may be the source of Taxol. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from Taxus chinensis.

In more detail, the preferred sequences of the RNA molecules of the present invention are listed in Tables 1 and 2 below. In an embodiment, RNA molecules of SEQ ID NO: 201 to 225 as shown in Table 1 are isolated from a plant of genus Taxus in particular from Taxus chinensis. These sequences are obtained by extraction, RNA isolation and purification of the plant. The inventors determined these RNA molecules are associated with chloroplasts. One possible approach to obtain the RNA molecules from a particular plant Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei is illustrated in Example 1. It would be appreciated that other suitable methods for obtaining the isolated and purified RNA molecules of the present invention according to the disclosure herein can be applied, and the methods can be subject to appropriate modification to obtain an improved yield of the RNA molecules, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

TABLE 1 RNA molecules in particular tRNAs isolated from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei according to the present invention. SEQ ID Length NO. tRNA(s) Sequence (5′ to 3′) (mer) 201 tRNA^(His(GUG)) GCGGACGUAGCCAAGUGGUCCAAAGGC 78 AGUGGAUUGUGAAUCCACCACGCGCGG GUUCAAUCCCCGUCGUUCGCCCCA 202 tRNA^(Glu(UUC)) GCCCCUAUCGUCUAGUGGCCCAGGACA 76 UCUCUCUUUCAAGGAGGCAACGGGGAU UCGAUUUCCCCUAGGGGUACCA 203 tRNA^(Trp(CCA)) GCGCUCUUAGUUCAGUGCGGUAGAACG 75 CAGGUCUCCAAAACCUGAUGCCGUAGG UUCAAAUCCUACAGAGCGCCA 204 tRNA^(Leu(CAA)) GCCUUGAUGGUGAAAUGGUAGACACGC 84 GAGACUCAAAAUCUCGUGCUAAACAGC GUGGAGGUUCGAAUCCUCUUCAAGGCA CCA 205 tRNA^(Arg(ACG)) GGGCCUGUAGCUCAGAGGAUUAGAGCA 77 CGUGGUUGCGAACCACGGUGUCGGGGG UUCGAAUCCCUCCUCGCCCACCA 206 tRNA^(Asp(GUC)) GGGAUUGUAGUUCAAUUGGUUAGAGUA 77 CCGCCCUGUCAAGACGGAAGUUGCGGG UUCGAGCCCCGUCAGUCCCGCCA 207 tRNA^(Asn(GUU)) UCCUCAGUAGCUCAGUGGUAGAGCGGU 75 CGGCUGUUAACCGAUUGGUCGUAGGUU CAAAUCCUAUUUGAGGAGCCA 208 tRNA^(Cys(GCA)) GGCGACAUAGCCAAGUGGUAAGGCAGG 74 GGACUGCAAAUCCCCCAUCCCCAGUUC AAAUCCGGGUGUCGCCUCCA 209 tRNA^(Gln(UUG)) GGGGCGUGGCCAAGCGGUAAGGCAACA 75 GGUUUUGGUCCUGUUAUUGCGAAGGUU CGAAUCCUUUCGUCCCAGCCA 210 tRNA^(Gly(GCC)) GGGUAUUGUUUAAUGGAUAAAAUUUAU 72 UCUUGCCAAGGAUAAGAUGCGGGUUCG AUUCCCGCUACCCGCCCA 211 tRNA^(Ile(UAU)) AGGGAUAUAACUCAGUAGUAGAGUGUC 75 ACCUUUAUGUGGUGAAAGUCAUCAGUU CAAACCUGAUUAUCCCUACCA 212 tRNA^(Leu(UAG)) GCCGCCAUGGUGAAAUUGGUAGACACG 83 CUGCUCUUAGGAAGCAGUGCUAGAGCA UCUCGGUUCGAAUCCGAGUGGUGGCAC CA 213 tRNA^(Leu(UAA)) GGGGAUAUGGCGGAAUUGGUAGACGCU 90 ACGGACUUAAAAAAUCCGUUGGUUUUA UAAACCGUGAGGGUUCAAGUCCCUCUA UCCCCACCA 214 tRNA^(Lys(UUU)) GGGUUGUUAACUCAAUGGUAGAGUACU 75 CGGCUUUUAACCGAcGAGUUCCGGGUU CAAGUCCCGGGCAACCCACCA 215 tRNA^(Met(CAU)) GCAUCCAUGGCUGAAUGGUCAAAGCAC 76 CCAACUCAUAAUUGGGAAGUCGCGGGU UCAAUUCCUGCUGGAUGCACCA 216 tRNA^(Met(CAU)) CGCGGAGUAGAGCAGUUUGGUAGCUCG 77 CAAGGCUCAUAACCUUGAAGUCACGGG UUCAAAUCCCGUCUCCGCAACCA 217 tRNA^(Phe(GAA)) GUCGGGAUAGCUCAGUUGGUAGAGCAG 76 AGGACUGAAAAUCCUCGUGUCACCAGU UCAAAUCUGGUUCCUGGCACCA 218 tRNA^(Pro(UGG)) AGGGAUGUAGCGCAGCUUGGUAGCGCG 77 UUUGUUUUGGGUACAAAAUGUCGCAGG UUCAAAUCCUGUCAUCCCUACCA 219 tRNA^(Pro(GGG)) CGGAGCAUAACGCAGUUUGGUAGCGUG 77 CCAUCUUGGGGUGAUGGAGGUCGCGGG UUCAAAUCCUGUUGCUCCGACCA 220 tRNA^(Ser(UGA)) GGAGAGAUGGCCGAGUGGUUGAUGGCU 91 CCGGUCUUGAAAACCGGUAUAGUUUUA AAAACUAUCGAGGGUUCGAAUCCCUCU CUCUCCUCCA 221 tRNA^(Ser(GCU)) GGAGAGAUGGCUGAGCGGACUAAAGCG 91 GUGGAUUGCUAAUCCGUUGUACAGACU AUCUGUACCGAGGGUUCGAAUCCCUCU UUCUCCGCCA 222 tRNA^(Thr(UGU)) GCCUGCUUAGCUCAGAGGUUAGAGCAU 76 CGCACUUGUAAUGCGACGGUCAUCGGU UCGAUCCCGAUAGAAGGCUCCA 223 tRNA^(Thr(GGU)) GCACUUUUAACUCAGUGGUAGAGUAAC 75 GCCAUGGUAAGGCGUAAGUCAUCGGUU CAAGCCCGAUAAAGGGCUCCA 224 tRNA^(Tyr(GUA)) GGGUCGAUGCCCGAGUGGCUAAUGGGG 87 ACGGACUGUAAAUCCGUUGGCAAUAUG CUUACGCUGGUUCAAAUCCAGCUCGGC CCACCA 225 tRNA^(Arg(CUC)) GCGUCCAUCGUCUAAUGGAUAGGACAG 75 AGGUCUUCUAAACCUUAGGUAUAGGUU CAAAUCCUAUUGGACGUACCA

The sense sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 and the antisense sequences of SEQ ID NO: 101 to SEQ ID NO: 200 as shown in Table 2 are artificially synthesized in accordance with the present invention. In particular, these sequences are derived sequence fragments prepared according to the sequences in Table 1 isolated from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei. Each of the sense sequences together with the corresponding antisense sequence form a double-stranded RNA molecule. As shown in Table 2, the sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the antisense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 form a double-stranded RNA molecule with a length of 22 base pairs, and the resultant RNA molecule is denoted as HC11 for easy reference. Similarly, the sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and the antisense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102 form a double-stranded RNA molecule with a length of 19 base pairs, and the resultant RNA molecule is denoted as HC20. Other RNA molecules of the present invention are presented in the Table.

The double-stranded RNA molecules are classified into 2 groups, namely a 5′-terminal group (5′-t), and a 3′-terminal group (3′-t). The 5′-t group RNA molecules contain a 5′ terminal portion of the corresponding full-length RNA molecules isolated from the plant; and the 3′-t group RNA molecules contain a 3′ terminal portion of the corresponding full-length RNA molecules isolated from the plant. In another embodiment, RNA molecules may contain the anticodon loop portion of the corresponding full-length RNA molecules isolated from the plant and referred as anticodon group RNA molecules. The sense sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 can be generated by cleavage at different sites on the full-length RNA molecules SEQ ID NO: 201 to 225.

Further, the RNA molecule of the present invention may comprise a 3′ overhang, preferably comprise 2 mer 3′ overhangs. The provision of the 3′ overhang improves the stability of the RNA molecules.

TABLE 2 RNA molecules derived from the sequences in Table 1 through artificial synthesis according to the present invention. SEQ Sense SEQ Antisense ID sequence ID sequence Length Source Code NO. (5′ to 3′) NO. (5′ to 3′) (bp) Group tRNA^(His(GUG)) HC11 1 GCGGACGUA 101 UGGACCACU 22 5′-t GCCAAGUGG UGGCUACGU UCCA CCGC HC20 2 GCGGACGUA 102 ACCACUUGG 19 GCCAAGUGG CUACGUCCG U C HC12 3 UCAAUCCCC 103 UGGGGCGAA 22 3′-t GUCGUUCGC CGACGGGGA CCCA UUGA HC42 4 AUCCCCGUC 104 UGGGGCGAA 19 GUUCGCCCC CGACGGGGA A U tRNA^(Glu(UUC)) HC16 5 GCCCCUAUC 105 UGGGCCACU 22 5′-t GUCUAGUGG AGACGAUAG CCCA GGGC HC25 6 GCCCCUAUC 106 GCCACUAGA 19 GUCUAGUGG CGAUAGGGG C C HC17 7 UCGAUUUCC 107 UGGUACCCC 22 3′-t CCUAGGGGU UAGGGGAAA ACCA UCGA HC43 8 AUUUCCCCU 108 UGGUACCCC 19 AGGGGUACC UAGGGGAAA A U tRNA^(Trp(CCA)) HC30 9 GCGCUCUUA 109 UACCGCACU 22 5′-t GUUCAGUGC GAACUAAGA GGUA GCGC HC23 10 GCGCUCUUA 110 CGCACUGAA 19 GUUCAGUGC CUAAGAGCG G C HC31 11 GUUCAAAUC 111 UGGCGCUCU 22 3′-t CUACAGAGC GUAGGAUUU GCCA GAAC HC46 12 CAAAUCCUA 112 UGGCGCUCU 19 CAGAGCGCC GUAGGAUUU A G tRNA^(Leu(CAA)) HC18 13 GCCUUGAUG 113 UCUACCAUU 22 5′-t GUGAAAUGG UCACCAUCA UAGA AGGC HC22 14 GCCUUGAUG 114 ACCAUUUCA 19 GUGAAAUGG CCAUCAAGG U C HC19 15 UCGAAUCCU 115 UGGUGCCUU 22 3′-t CUUCAAGGC GAAGAGGAU ACCA UCGA HC44 16 AAUCCUCUU 116 UGGUGCCUU 19 CAAGGCACC GAAGAGGAU A U tRNA^(Arg(ACG)) HC32 17 GGGCCUGUA 117 UAAUCCUCU 22 5′-t GCUCAGAGG GAGCUACAG AUUA GCCC HC24 18 GGGCCUGUA 118 UCCUCUGAG 19 GCUCAGAGG CUACAGGCC A C HC33 19 UCGAAUCCC 119 UGGUGGGCG 22 3′-t UCCUCGCCC AGGAGGGAU ACCA UCGA HC47 20 AAUCCCUCC 120 UGGUGGGCG 19 UCGCCCACC AGGAGGGAU A U tRNA^(Asp(GUC)) HC28 21 GGGAUUGUA 121 UAACCAAUU 22 5′-t GUUCAAUUG GAACUACAA GUUA UCCC HC21 22 GGGAUUGUA 122 CCAAUUGAA 19 GUUCAAUUG CUACAAUCC G C HC29 23 UCGAGCCCC 123 UGGCGGGAC 22 3′-t GUCAGUCCC UGACGGGGC GCCA UCGA HC45 24 AGCCCCGUC 124 UGGCGGGAC 19 AGUCCCGCC UGACGGGGC A U tRNA^(Cys(GCA)) HC34 25 GGCGACAUA 125 CUUACCACU 22 5′-t GCCAAGUGG UGGCUAUGU UAAG CGCC HC26 26 GGCGACAUA 126 ACCACUUGG 19 GCCAAGUGG CUAUGUCGC U C HC35 27 UCAAAUCCG 127 UGGAGGCGA 22 3′-t GGUGUCGCC CACCCGGAU UCCA UUGA HC48 28 AAUCCGGGU 128 UGGAGGCGA 19 GUCGCCUCC CACCCGGAU A U tRNA^(Asn(GUU)) HC36 29 CCUCAGUAG 129 CUCUACCAC 22 5′-t CUCAGUGGU UGAGCUACU AGAG GAGG HC27 30 CCUCAGUAG 130 UACCACUGA 19 CUCAGUGGU GCUACUGAG A G HC37 31 GGUUCAAAU 131 CUCCUCAAA 22 3′-t CCUAUUUGA UAGGAUUUG GGAG AACC HC49 32 UCAAAUCCU 132 CUCCUCAAA 19 AUUUGAGGA UAGGAUUUG G A tRNA^(Met(CAU)) HC38 33 CGCGGAGUA 133 UACCAAACU 22 5′-t GAGCAGUUU GCUCUACUC GGUA CGCG HC40 34 CGCGGAGUA 134 CAAACUGCU 19 GAGCAGUUU CUACUCCGC G G HC39 35 GGUUCAAAU 135 UUGCGGAGA 22 3′-t CCCGUCUCC CGGGAUUUG GCAA AACC HC41 36 UCAAAUCCC 136 UUGCGGAGA 19 GUCUCCGCA CGGGAUUUG A A tRNA^(Thr(UGU)) HC50 37 GCCUGCUUA 137 CUAACCUCU 22 5′-t GCUCAGAGG GAGCUAAGC UUAG AGGC HC52 38 GCCUGCUUA 138 ACCUCUGAG 19 GCUCAGAGG CUAAGCAGG U C HC51 39 UCGAUCCCG 139 UGGAGCCUU 22 3′-t AUAGAAGGC CUAUCGGGA UCCA UCGA HC53 40 AUCCCGAUA 140 UGGAGCCUU 19 GAAGGCUCC CUAUCGGGA A U tRNA^(Pro(UGG)) HC54 41 AGGGAUGUA 141 UACCAAGCU 22 5′-t GCGCAGCUU GCGCUACAU GGUA CCCU HC56 42 AGGGAUGUA 142 CAAGCUGCG 19 GCGCAGCUU CUACAUCCC G U HC55 43 UCAAAUCCU 143 UGGUAGGGA 22 3′-t GUCAUCCCU UGACAGGAU ACCA UUGA HC57 44 AAUCCUGUC 144 UGGUAGGGA 19 AUCCCUACC UGACAGGAU A U tRNA^(Gly(GCC)) HC58 45 GGGUAUUGU 145 UUUUAUCCA 22 5′-t UUAAUGGAU UUAAACAAU AAAA ACCC HC60 46 GGGUAUUGU 146 UAUCCAUUA 19 UUAAUGGAU AACAAUACC A C HC59 47 UUCGAUUCC 147 UGGGCGGGU 22 3′-t CGCUACCCG AGCGGGAAU CCCA CGAA HC61 48 GAUUCCCGC 148 UGGGCGGGU 19 UACCCGCCC AGCGGGAAU A C tRNA^(Tyr(GUA)) HC62 49 GGGUCGAUG 149 UUAGCCACU 22 5′-t CCCGAGUGG CGGGCAUCG CUAA ACCC HC64 50 GGGUCGAUG 150 GCCACUCGG 19 CCCGAGUGG GCAUCGACC C C HC63 51 UCAAAUCCA 151 UGGUGGGCC 22 3′-t GCUCGGCCC GAGCUGGAU ACCA UUGA HC65 52 AAUCCAGCU 152 UGGUGGGCC 19 CGGCCCACC GAGCUGGAU A U tRNA^(Leu(UAA)) HC66 53 GGGGAUAUG 153 CUACCAAUU 22 5′-t GCGGAAUUG CCGCCAUAU GUAG CCCC HC68 54 GGGGAUAUG 154 CCAAUUCCG 19 GCGGAAUUG CCAUAUCCC G C HC67 55 UCAAGUCCC 155 UGGUGGGGA 22 3′-t UCUAUCCCC UAGAGGGAC ACCA UUGA HC69 56 AGUCCCUCU 156 UGGUGGGGA 19 AUCCCCACC UAGAGGGAC A U tRNA^(Ser(UGA)) HC70 57 GGAGAGAUG 157 UCAACCACU 22 5′-t GCCGAGUGG CGGCCAUCU UUGA CUCC HC72 58 GGAGAGAUG 158 ACCACUCGG 19 GCCGAGUGG CCAUCUCUC U C HC71 59 UCGAAUCCC 159 UGGAGGAGA 22 3′-t UCUCUCUCC GAGAGGGAU UCCA UCGA HC73 60 AAUCCCUCU 160 UGGAGGAGA 19 CUCUCCUCC GAGAGGGAU A U tRNA^(Gln(UUG)) HC74 61 GGGGCGUG 161 CCUUACCGC 22 5′-t GCCAAGCG UUGGCCACG GUAAGG CCCC HC76 62 GGGGCGUG 162 UACCGCUUG 19 GCCAAGCG GCCACGCCC GUA C HC75 63 UCGAAUCCU 163 UGGCUGGGA 22 3′-t UUCGUCCCA CGAAAGGAU GCCA UCGA HC77 64 AAUCCUUUC 164 UGGCUGGGA 19 GUCCCAGCC CGAAAGGAU A U tRNA^(Arg(CUC)) HC78 65 GCGUCCAUC 165 CUAUCCAUU 22 5′-t GUCUAAUGG AGACGAUGG AUAG ACGC HC80 66 GCGUCCAUC 166 UCCAUUAGA 19 GUCUAAUGG CGAUGGACG A C HC79 67 UCAAAUCCU 167 UGGUACGUC 22 3′-t AUUGGACGU CAAUAGGAU ACCA UUGA HC81 68 AAUCCUAUU 168 UGGUACGUC 19 GGACGUACC CAAUAGGAU A U tRNA^(Met(CAU)) HC82 69 GCAUCCAUG 169 UUGACCAUU 22 5′-t GCUGAAUGG CAGCCAUGG UCAA AUGC HC84 70 GCAUCCAUG 170 ACCAUUCAG 19 GCUGAAUGG CCAUGGAUG U C HC83 71 UCAAUUCCU 171 UGGUGCAUC 22 3′-t GCUGGAUGC CAGCAGGAA ACCA UUGA HC85 72 AUUCCUGCU 172 UGGUGCAUC 19 GGAUGCACC CAGCAGGAA A U tRNA^(Leu(UAG)) HC86 73 GCCGCCAUG 173 CUACCAAUU 22 5′-t GUGAAAUUG UCACCAUGG GUAG CGGC HC88 74 GCCGCCAUG 174 CCAAUUUCA 19 GUGAAAUUG CCAUGGCGG G C HC87 75 UCGAAUCCG 175 UGGUGCCAC 22 3′-t AGUGGUGGC CACUCGGAU ACCA UCGA HC89 76 AAUCCGAGU 176 UGGUGCCAC 19 GGUGGCACC CACUCGGAU A U tRNA^(Lys(UUU)) HC90 77 GGGUUGUUA 177 UCUACCAUU 22 5′-t ACUCAAUGG GAGUUAACA UAGA ACCC HC92 78 GGGUUGUUA 178 ACCAUUGAG 19 ACUCAAUGG UUAACAACC U C HC91 79 UCAAGUCCC 179 UGGUGGGUU 22 3′-t GGGCAACCC GCCCGGGAC ACCA UUGA HC93 80 AGUCCCGGG 180 UGGUGGGUU 19 CAACCCACC GCCCGGGAC A U tRNA^(Phe(GAA)) HC94 81 GUCGGGAUA 181 CUACCAACU 22 5′-t GCUCAGUUG GAGCUAUCC GUAG CGAC HC96 82 GUCGGGAUA 182 CCAACUGAG 19 GCUCAGUUG CUAUCCCGA G C HC95 83 UCAAAUCUG 183 UGGUGCCAG 22 3′-t GUUCCUGGC GAACCAGAU ACCA UUGA HC97 84 AAUCUGGUU 184 UGGUGCCAG 19 CCUGGCACC GAACCAGAU A U tRNA^(Pro(GGG)) HC98 85 CGGAGCAUA 185 UACCAAACU 22 5′-t ACGCAGUUU GCGUUAUGC GGUA UCCG HC100 86 CGGAGCAUA 186 CAAACUGCG 19 ACGCAGUUU UUAUGCUCC G G HC99 87 UCAAAUCCU 187 UGGUCGGAG 22 3′-t GUUGCUCCG CAACAGGAU ACCA UUGA HC101 88 AAUCCUGUU 188 UGGUCGGAG 19 GCUCCGACC CAACAGGAU A U tRNA^(Ser(GCU)) HC102 89 GGAGAGAUG 189 UAGUCCGCU 22 5′-t GCUGAGCGG CAGCCAUCU ACUA CUCC HC104 90 GGAGAGAUG 190 UCCGCUCAG 19 GCUGAGCGG CCAUCUCUC A C HC103 91 UCGAAUCCC 191 UGGCGGAGA 22 3′-t UCUUUCUCC AAGAGGGAU GCCA UCGA HC105 92 AAUCCCUCU 192 UGGCGGAGA 19 UUCUCCGCC AAGAGGGAU A U tRNA^(Thr(GGU)) HC106 93 GCACUUUUA 193 UCUACCACU 22 5′-t ACUCAGUGG GAGUUAAAA UAGA GUGC HC108 94 GCACUUUUA 194 ACCACUGAG 19 ACUCAGUGG UUAAAAGUG U C HC107 95 UCAAGCCCG 195 UGGAGCCCU 22 3′-t AUAAAGGGC UUAUCGGGC UCCA UUGA HC109 96 AGCCCGAUA 196 UGGAGCCCU 19 AAGGGCUCC UUAUCGGGC A U tRNA^(Ile(UAU)) HC110 97 AGGGAUAUA 197 UCUACUACU 22 5′-t ACUCAGUAG GAGUUAUAU UAGA CCCU HC112 AGGGAUAUA ACUACUGAG 19 98 ACUCAGUAG 198 UUAUAUCCC U U HC111 UCAAACCUG UGGUAGGGA 22 3′-t 99 AUUAUCCCU 199 UAAUCAGGU ACCA UUGA HC113 AACCUGAUU UGGUAGGGA 19 100 AUCCCUACC 200 UAAUCAGGU A U

The inventors unexpectedly found that the RNA molecules isolated or derived from a plant of genus Taxus in particular Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei are effective against cancer cells, in particular they are capable of inhibiting the growth, proliferation and/or metastasis of cancer cells.

Turning back to the method of treatment, the method comprises the step of administering an effective amount of a RNA molecule as described above to the subject suffering from a cancer. In an embodiment, the step of administering the RNA molecule to the subject comprises contacting cancer cells of the subject with the RNA molecule.

The term “cancer” describes a physiological condition in subjects in which a population of cells are characterized by unregulated malignant (cancerous) cell growth. In an embodiment, the cancer to be treated is ovarian cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer. In a particular embodiment, the cancer is ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer or lung cancer. In an alternative embodiment, the RNA molecules of the present invention are effective in treating cancer which is resistant against currently existing drugs such as Taxol, i.e. can be used to treat cancer which is resistant against Taxol. Specifically, the RNA molecules of the present invention can be used to treat Taxol-resistant lung cancer, Taxol-resistant colorectal cancer or Taxol-resistant ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the method of the present invention can be applied to treat a subject suffering from a multi-drug resistant cancer and related disorders.

The term “subject” used herein refers to a living organism and can include but is not limited to a human and an animal. The subject is preferably a mammal, preferably a human. The RNA molecules may be administered through injection to the subject, preferably a human. The term injection encompasses intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal administration. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule of the present invention is administered together with suitable excipient(s) to the subject through intravenous injection. For instance, the RNA molecule may be delivered to the subject or cells via transfection, electroporation or viral-mediated delivery.

The expression “effective amount” generally denotes an amount sufficient to produce therapeutically desirable results, wherein the exact nature of the result varies depending on the specific condition which is treated. In this invention, cancer is the condition to be treated and therefore the result is usually an inhibition or suppression of the growth or proliferation of cancer cells, a reduction of cancerous cells or the amelioration of symptoms related to the cancer cells, in particular inhibition of the proliferation of the cancer cells or induction of cell death, i.e. apoptosis of the cancer cells. In an embodiment where the cancer is metastatic cancer, the result is usually an inhibition of migration of cancer cells, suppression of the invasion of cancer cells to other tissues, inhibition of formation metastasis cancer cells at a secondary site distant from the primary site, or amelioration of symptoms related to metastatic cancer.

The effective amount of the RNA molecules of the present invention may depend on the species, body weight, age and individual conditions of the subject and can be determined by standard procedures such as with cell cultures or experimental animals. A dosage of the RNA molecule such as RNA molecule HC11 (formed by SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 101) or HC30 (formed by SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 109) may, for example, be at least about 0.1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg, or about 2 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg, in particular 2.4 mg/kg.

The RNA molecule of the present invention may be administered in form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the RNA molecule and at least one pharmaceutically tolerable excipient. The pharmaceutically tolerable excipient may be one or more of a diluent, a filler, a binder, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a coloring agent, a surfactant, a gene delivery carrier and a preservative. The pharmaceutical composition can be present in solid, semisolid or liquid form, preferably in liquid form. The pharmaceutical composition may comprise further pharmaceutical effective ingredients such as therapeutic compounds which are used for treating cancer such as Taxol. The skilled person is able to select suitable pharmaceutically tolerable excipients depending on the form of the pharmaceutical composition and is aware of methods for manufacturing pharmaceutical compositions as well as able to select a suitable method for preparing the pharmaceutical composition depending on the kind of pharmaceutically tolerable excipients and the form of the pharmaceutical composition.

In an embodiment, the RNA molecule is provided in a pharmaceutical composition comprising a gene delivery carrier. The gene delivery carrier refers to any molecules that can act as a carrier for delivering a gene into a cell. In an embodiment where the RNA molecule is transfected into a cell, the gene delivery carrier is considered as a transfecting agent. In an embodiment where the RNA molecule is delivered through a recombinant viral vector, the gene delivery carrier is a viral vector carrying the double-stranded RNA molecule of the present invention. The gene delivery carriers include, but is not limited to, a vector such as a viral vector, a collagen such as atelocollagen, a polymer such as polyethylenimine (PEI), a polypeptide such as poly (L-lysine) and protamine, and a lipid for forming a liposome such as Lipofectamine. The gene delivery carriers may be commercially available such as LipofectamineRNAiMAX Transfection Reagent, Lipofectamine 3000 Reagent, and Lipofectamine® 2000 Transfection Reagent from Thermo Fisher, U.S.A.; RNAi-Mate from GenePharma, China; atelocollagen from Koken Co., Ltd., Japan); and Histidine-Lysine peptide copolymer from siRNAomics, China. The gene delivery carriers may be viral vectors based on retrovirus, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, and lentivirus. The gene delivery carriers should have a low toxicity and cannot induce significant immune response in the subject. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule is provided in a pharmaceutical composition comprising atelocollagen, wherein atelocollagen forms a complex with the RNA molecule for delivery. In another embodiment, the RNA molecule is provided in a pharmaceutical composition comprising Lipofectamine such as Lipofectamine® RNAiMAX transfection reagent for delivering the RNA molecule to the cells. In a further embodiment, the RNA molecule is inserted into a plasmid and form recombinant vector.

In an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition may further comprise a nucleic acid stabilizer. The nucleic acid stabilizer refers to any chemicals that are capable of maintaining the stability of the RNA molecule in the composition to minimize or avoid degradation, in particular those having ability to deactivate activity of nucleases or the like degrading the RNA molecules.

Accordingly, the present invention also pertains to a pharmaceutical composition as described above, in particular comprising the RNA molecule and a pharmaceutically tolerable excipient as defined above. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises at least one sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. Preferably, the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus as described above, in particular from Taxus chinensis.

The administration step of the RNA molecule according to the method of the present invention may be performed by injecting a pharmaceutical composition containing the RNA molecule to the target site of the subject, i.e. where cancer cells exist or body tissue adjacent to cancer cells. This is advantageous in that the RNA molecule can be directly delivered to the cancer cells before any cellular degradation such as first pass metabolism.

The RNA molecules of the present invention are also suitable for inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells comprising a step of contacting said cells with an effective amount of a RNA molecule as defined above. Preferably the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus or comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. The cancer cells are as defined above. Preferably, the cancer cells are ovarian cancer cells, liver cancer cells, breast cancer cells, colorectal cancer cells, or lung cancer cells. The cancer cells may be resistant against currently existing cancer drugs such as but are not limited to Taxol.

In an embodiment, the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 50 to 200 nucleotides, more preferably has a length of from about 60 to about 150 nucleotides, in particular from about 70 to about 100 nucleotides. The RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule preferably a transfer RNA molecule. Preferably, the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or the RNA molecule comprises SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 205 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or the RNA molecule consists of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 205 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 10 to about 30 base pairs, from about 15 to about 25 base pairs, from about 19 to about 22 base pairs, 19 base pairs or 22 base pairs.

Preferably, the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, in particular SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof; or consists of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100, in particular SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. The double-stranded RNA molecule comprises a complementary antisense sequence. The RNA molecule may further comprise 2 mer 3′ overhangs.

The step of contacting the cancer cells with the RNA molecule of the present invention may be carried out by applying a composition in particular an incubation solution comprising the RNA molecule to said cancer cells which incubation solution may further comprise suitable excipients as defined above, a buffer or a suitable growth medium. In such embodiment of the present invention, the cancer cells are taken from a subject such as an animal or human, in particular a human. The RNA molecule is provided in the composition at a concentration of at least 3 nM, at least 5 nM, from about 5 nM to about 200 nM, from about 10 nM to about 100 nM, or from about 25 nM to about 50 nM. Further, the excipients may include a gene delivery carrier such as but is not limited to a collagen based carrier or a liposome forming agent. In an embodiment, the collagen based carrier is atelocollagen and the liposome forming agent is Lipofectamine.

In addition to the above, the present invention pertains to a double-stranded RNA molecule as described above, i.e. comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, and a complementary antisense sequence. In particular, the double-stranded RNA molecule consists of a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof, a complementary antisense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 101 to SEQ ID NO: 200, and optionally a 3′ overhang. Example embodiments of the double-stranded RNA molecule are presented in Table 2. The double-stranded RNA may be subject to modification and therefore may carry at least one modified nucleoside selected form inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N⁶-methyladenosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N⁶-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N⁶-methyladenosine.

In further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is a RNA molecule as described above. In particular, the RNA molecule having a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof. In an embodiment, the vector is a recombinant vector comprising the double-stranded RNA molecule as described above. The vector may be viral-based vector derived from retrovirus, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, or lentivirus. An ordinary skilled in the art would appreciate suitable approach to incorporate the RNA molecule of the present invention into a vector.

Still further, the present invention pertains to use of a nucleic acid molecule in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer. The nucleic acid is a RNA molecule as described above including a functional variant or homologue thereof. It would also be appreciated that the RNA molecule of the present invention can be used as a small interfering RNA molecule to interfere the expression of certain genes in the target cancer cells, thereby to cause gene silencing, apoptosis, inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, or the like to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel and effective approach for treating cancers from various origins by administration of a RNA molecule that is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus, or in particular a RNA molecule comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to 100. Administration of said RNA molecule is also suitable for inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells. The RNA molecules are found to be highly effective at inhibiting growth and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and exhibit an antitumor effect in vivo. Said RNA molecules are also effective against Taxol-resistant cell lines.

The invention is now described in the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Chemicals and Materials

Fresh branches of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei were collected from Sanming City in the year of 2017 from Fujian Province, China. Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium chloride were purchased from-Kingdin Industrial Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong, China). Water-saturated phenol was purchased from Leagene Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China). Chloroform and ethanol were purchased from Anaqua Chemicals Supply Inc. Ltd. (U.S.A.). Isopentanol and guanidinium thiocyanate were purchased from Tokyo Chemical Industry CO., Ltd. (Japan). Tris-HCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were purchased from Acros Organics (U.S.A), low range ssRNA ladder was purchased from New England Biolabs (Beverly, Mass., U.S.A.). mirVana™ miRNA isolation kit, SYBR gold nucleic acid gel stain and gel loading buffer II were purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.A.). 40% acrylamide/bis solution (19:1), tris/borate/EDTA (TBE), ammonium persulphate (APS) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) were purchased from Biorad Laboratories Inc. (U.S.A). Taxol-resistance adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cell line (A549T) and human ovarian carcinoma cell line (A2780) were purchased from KeyGen Biotech Co. Ltd. (Nanjing, China), human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were purchased from ATCC (Manassas, Va., U.S.A.). Opti-MEM I Reduced Serum Media, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), Minimum Essential Medium (MEM), RPMI Medium 1640, Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), Penicillin-Streptomycin were purchased from Gibco, (Life Technologies, Auckland, New Zealand). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) was purchased from Sigma (St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.).

Example 1 Isolation of RNA Molecules from a Plant of Genus Taxus

Branches of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei were freshly collected and immediately stored in liquid nitrogen until use. RNAs having a length of 200 nucleotides or below, i.e. small RNAs species, were extracted from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei by using an optimized CTAB method combined with a commercial small RNA isolation kit, which method is described by Patel, R. S. et al. in Arch Oral Biol 2011, 56 (12), 1506-1513. Briefly, plant tissues were ground into a fine powder in liquid nitrogen and then homogenized in preheated (65° C.) CTAB extraction buffer using a digital dispersing device (IKA, Germany). After incubation for 2 min at 65° C., the tissue lysate was cooled down immediately in an ice bath for 10 min, followed by centrifugation at 12,000×g for 15 min at 4° C. The supernatant was collected and extracted with an equal volume of phenol:chloroform:isopentanol (50:48:1) by vortexing vigorously. Phases were separated at 4° C. by centrifugation at 12,000×g for 15 min and the supernatant was extracted again as described above with chloroform:isopentanol (24:1). The supernatant was collected and mixed with an equal volume of 6 M guanidinium thiocyanate, followed by adding 100% ethanol to a final concentration of 55%. The mixture was passed through a filter cartridge containing a silica membrane, which immobilizes the RNAs. The filter was then washed for several times with 80% (v/v) ethanol solution, and finally all RNAs were eluted with a low ionic-strength solution or RNase-free water. The small RNA species were isolated and enriched by using a mirVana™ miRNA isolation kit following the manufacturer's instruction.

Further, the total tRNAs in the isolated small RNA species were separated by electrophoresis in 6% polyacrylamide TBE gels containing 8 M urea prepared according to the manufacturer's protocol (Biorad, U.S.A.). After staining with SYBR Gold nucleic acid gel stain, polyacrylamide gels were examined using a UV lamp and the region of gels containing total tRNAs were cut off by using a clean and sharp scalpel. FIG. 1 shows gel electrophoresis profiles of small RNA species from Taxus Chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei, including low range RNA markers (denoted as “Ladder”), small RNA species, and transfer RNA^(TrP(CCA)). The band was sliced into small pieces and the total tRNAs were recovered from the gel by electroelution in a 3 kD molecular weight cut-off dialysis tubing (Spectrum, C.A.) at 100 V for 50 min in 1×TAE buffer. The eluents in the dialysis tubing were recovered and the total tRNAs were desalted and concentrated by using the mirVana™ miRNA isolation kit. The quality and purity of the RNA products were then confirmed using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific, U.S.A.) and Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent, U.S.A.).

The inventors then constructed the total tRNAs library and performed sequencing. Sequencing libraries were generated by using TruSeq small RNA Library Preparation Kit (Illumina, U.S.A.), followed by a round of adaptor ligation, reverse transcription and PCR enrichment. PCR products were then purified and libraries were quantified on the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 system (Agilent Technologies, U.S.A.). The library preparations were sequenced at the Novogene Bioinformatics Institute (Beijing, China) on an Illumina HiSeq platform using the 150 bp paired-end (PE150) strategy to generate over 15 million raw paired reads. 1,729,438 clean reads were obtained by removing low quality regions and adaptor sequences. FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing read length distribution of tRNAs. The tRNA genes were identified by using the tRNAscan-SE 2.0 program (http://lowelab.ucsc.edu/tRNAscan-SE/) and annotated by searching the Nucleotide Collection (nr/nt) database using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) program (https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi). 25 tRNA sequences from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei were identified and listed in Table 1.

Each of the tRNAs was then isolated from a mixture of small RNAs (<200 mer) from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei by immobilization of the target tRNAs onto the streptavidin-coated magnetic beads with specific biotinylated capture DNA probes. To bind specific tRNA molecules, a corresponded single stranded DNA oligonucleotide (20 to 45-mer) were synthesized, which was designed based on the sequence information of Illumina sequencing and should be complementary to a unique segment of the target tRNA. Cognate DNA probes were incubated with small RNA mixture for about 1.5 h in annealing buffer and allowed to hybridize to the targeted tRNA molecules in solution at the proper annealing temperatures that were generally 5° C. lower than the melting temperature (Tm). Streptavidin-coated magnetic beads were then added to the mixture and incubated for 30 min at the annealing temperatures. After the hybridized sequences are immobilized onto the magnetic beads via the streptavidin-biotin bond, the biotinylated DNA/tRNA coated beads were separated with a magnet for 1-2 min and washed 3-4 times in washing buffer at 40° C. The magnetic beads were resuspended to a desired concentration in RNase-free water and thereby to release the immobilized tRNA molecules by incubation at 70° C. for 5 min. Accordingly, the isolated and purified tRNA molecules of SEQ ID NO: 201 to 225 were obtained.

Example 2 Synthesis of RNA Molecules

The inventors designed and synthesized RNA molecules having a length of about 19 to 22 bp based on the 25 isolated tRNA sequences in Example 1. In particular, the tRNA sequences are considered to have at least 3 portions, namely a 5′-terminal portion (5′-t), a 3′-terminal portion (3′-t) and an anticodon portion. Each of the specifically designed RNA molecules contains any one of the portions. For instance, designed RNA molecules containing a 5′ terminal portion of the corresponding full-length tRNA sequence are referred as 5′-t group RNA molecules; designed RNA molecules containing a 3′ terminal portion of the corresponding full-length tRNA sequence are referred as 3′-t group RNA molecules; designed RNA molecules containing an anticodon portion of the corresponding full-length tRNA sequence are referred as anticodon group RNA molecules. The RNA molecules having a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 and a complementary antisense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 101 to SEQ ID NO: 200, as shown in Table 2, were designed and synthesized by cleavage at different sites on the tRNA sequences in Table 1.

Example 3 Cytotoxic Effect of RNA Molecules on Cancer Cells

A2780, Taxol-resistant A2780, HCT-8, Taxol-resistant HCT-8 and Taxol-resistant A549 cell lines were cultured in RPMI Medium 1640 medium containing 10% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines were cultured in Minimum Essential medium containing 10% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. All cell lines above were cultured at humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO₂ at 37° C.

In the cytotoxicity assay, exponentially growing cells of each cancer cell line were plated in 96-well microplate at a density of 5000 cells per well in 100 μL of culture medium and allowed to adhere for 24 h before treatment. Serial concentrations of RNA molecules obtained in Example 1 and 2 in a mixture containing a gene delivery carrier, i.e. Lipofectamine™ RNAiMAX Transfection Reagent (Thermo Fisher Scientific, U.S.A.) were then added to the cells. After treated for 48 h, MTT solution (50 μL per well, 1 mg/mL solution) was added to each well and incubated for 4 h at 37° C. Subsequently, 200 μL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were added and the optical densities of the resulting solutions were calorimetrically determined at 570 nm using a SpectraMax 190 microplate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A). Dose-response curves were obtained, and the IC₅₀ values were calculated by GraphPad Prism 5 (GraphPad, La Jolla, Calif., USA). Each experiment was carried out for three times. IC₅₀ results were expressed as means±standard deviation.

With reference to FIG. 3, A2780 cells, HepG2 cells and MCF-7 cells were treated with 25 nM RNA molecules of tRNA^(His(GUG)), tRNA^(Glu(UUC)) tRNA^(TrP(CCA)), tRNA^(Leu(CAA)), tRNA^(Arg(ACG)), i.e. SEQ ID NO: 201 to 205, for 48 h before addition of MTT solution. The cell viability of these cells is compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group where a transfection reagent was added to the cells. The results show that these RNA molecules are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, liver cancer cells, and breast cancer cells, whereas the RNA molecules achieve more prominent effect on ovarian and liver cancer cells.

FIG. 4A shows the cytotoxic effect of tRNA^(Trp(CCA)), i.e. SEQ ID NO: 203, on A2780 cells. Different concentrations of tRNA^(TrP(CCA)) were used, i.e. 0.78 nM, 1.56 nM, 3.13 nM, 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM and 25 nM, and compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group. It is shown that the IC₅₀ value of tRNA^(TrP(CCA)) on ovarian cells in particular A2780 cells is about 14.3 nM. A comparative example using Taxol was conducted. FIG. 4B show the cytotoxic effect of Taxol on A2780 cells.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the cytotoxic effect of RNA molecules synthesized in Example 2 on A2780 cells, in particular those having sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 36. The results show that the RNA molecules designed and synthesized based on the tRNA sequences identified in Example 1 are also effective in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in particular ovarian cancer cells in this example. Further, FIGS. 5C and 5D further demonstrated that the RNA molecules in Example 2 are also capable of inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of Taxol-resistant A2780 cells. In other words, RNA molecules having sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 36 and the complementary antisense sequence are useful in treating cancer which is resistant against Taxol, in particular Taxol-resistant ovarian cancer.

FIG. 5E show the cytotoxic effect of RNA molecules synthesized in Example 2 on HCT-8 cells, in particular those having a sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 36 and a complementary antisense sequence. The results show that these RNA molecules are also effective in inhibiting the growth and proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Further, FIG. 5F further demonstrated that the RNA molecules in Example 2 are also capable of inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of Taxol-resistant HCT-8 cells. The results also show that the RNA molecules HC18, HC34, HC36, HC37 and HC39 are useful in treating cancer which is resistant against Taxol, in particular Taxol-resistant colorectal cancer.

The inventors then specifically determined the cytotoxic effect and IC₅₀ of RNA molecule HC11 on A2780 cells, at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM. As shown in FIG. 6A, the results are compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group containing a transfecting agent. The results demonstrated that RNA molecule HC11 has a dose-dependent effect on inhibiting the growth and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. The IC₅₀ of it is 31 nM. A comparative example was conducted using Taxol with results presented in FIG. 6B.

Further, the inhibitory effect of HC11 against Taxol-resistant cancer cells was determined. FIG. 6C shows the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A2780T cells after treatment with HC11 at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM and 200 nM, compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group while FIG. 6D shows a comparative example using Taxol in the treatment. The results demonstrated that RNA molecule HC11 has a dose-dependent effect on inhibiting the growth and proliferation of Taxol-resistant ovarian cancer cells and its IC₅₀ is 32.3 nM.

Meanwhile, FIG. 6E shows the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A549T cells after treatment with HC11 at different concentrations, and FIG. 6F shows the cell viability of Taxol-resistant A549T cells after treatment with Taxol at different concentrations. The results demonstrated that RNA molecule HC11 has a dose-dependent effect on inhibiting the growth and proliferation of Taxol-resistant lung cancer cells with IC₅₀ being 87.3 nM.

Similarly, the inventors specifically determined the cytotoxic effect and IC₅₀ of RNA molecules HC36 and 37 on HCT-8 cells, at different concentrations, i.e. 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM. As shown in FIG. 6G and FIG. 6H, the results are compared to a control group and a RNAiMAX group containing a transfecting agent. The results demonstrated that RNA molecules HC36 and HC37 have dose-dependent effect on inhibiting the growth and proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. The IC₅₀ of HC36, 37 is 8.2 and 9.3 nM. A comparative example was conducted using Taxol with results presented in FIG. 6I.

Based on the above results, it is found that the small tRNA molecules isolated or derived from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei are highly effective at inhibiting growth and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro. The RNA molecules are also effective against Taxol-resistant cell lines.

Example 4 In Vivo Antitumor Effect of the RNA Molecules

Animal model having xenograft cancer was set. Female BALB/c nude mice (6-8-week old) were purchased from Shanghai SLAC Laboratory Animal Co., Ltd. and maintained at 25° C. with free access to food and water in a special pathogen-free laboratory of the animal environment facilities. The animal experiments were performed in compliance with institutional animal care guidelines and according to committee-approved protocol. To generate tumor xenografts, A2780 cells (4.0×10⁶) were injected subcutaneously in 100 μL of 1640 medium through a 27-gauge needle into the armpit of 8-week-old BALB/c nude mice. After 4-5 weeks after tumors had reached 60-70 mm³, the tumor-bearing nude mice were treated with synthesized tRF with atelocollagen (Koken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The concentration of atelocollagen was 1%, and tumor-adjacent injection was performed by one dose of HC11 or HC30 (RNA molecule of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 9) (GenePharma Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China) at concentration of 2.4 mg/kg with atelocollagen once a week. A control group was set up in which vehicle was administered to the mice. A Taxol group for administering 1 mg/kg Taxol to the mice was also set as a comparison. The entire treatment lasted for 28 days.

Tumor diameters were measured at maximum length and maximum width with digital calipers. And the tumor volume was calculated by the formula: volume=(width)²×length/2. The data were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5 (GraphPad, La Jolla, Calif., USA). The results are presented in FIGS. 7A and 7B. According to the results, HC11 and HC30 are effective in inhibiting the growth of the tumor inside the mice, and maintaining a relative constant body weight. In other words, the RNA molecules of the present invention are effective in treating cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. 

1. A method of treating a subject suffering from cancer comprising a step of administering an effective amount of a RNA molecule to the subject, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 50 to 200 nucleotides or from about 10 to 30 base pairs.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the RNA molecule is a transfer RNA molecule.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, and a complementary antisense sequence.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the RNA molecule further comprises 2 mer 3′ overhangs.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the sense sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 10. The method of claim 3, wherein the RNA molecule comprises at least one modified nucleoside selected from inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N⁶-methyladenosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N⁶-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N⁶-methyladenosine.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is ovarian cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is resistant against Taxol.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of administering the RNA molecule to the subject comprises contacting cancer cells of the subject with the RNA molecule.
 15. A method of inhibiting growth or proliferation of cancer cells comprising a step of contacting said cells with an effective amount of a RNA molecule isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 50 to 200 nucleotides or from about 10 to 30 base pairs.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the RNA molecule is a transfer RNA molecule.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, and a complementary antisense sequence.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the RNA molecule further comprises 2 mer 3′ overhangs.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the sense sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the RNA molecule comprises at least one modified nucleoside selected from inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N⁶-methyladenosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N⁶-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N⁶-methyladenosine.
 25. The method of claim 15, wherein the cancer cells are ovarian cancer cells, liver cancer cells, breast cancer cells, colorectal cancer cells, or lung cancer cells.
 26. The method of claim 15, wherein the cancer cells are resistant against Taxol.
 27. The method of claim 15, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei.
 28. The method of claim 15, wherein the RNA molecule is provided in a composition comprising a gene delivery carrier.
 29. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer comprising a RNA molecule and a pharmaceutically tolerable excipient, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from a plant of the genus Taxus.
 30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein the RNA molecule has a sequence length of from about 50 to about 200 nucleotides or about 10 to 30 base pairs.
 31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein the RNA molecule comprises at least one sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 32. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the RNA molecule is a non-coding molecule.
 33. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 32, wherein the RNA molecule is a transfer RNA molecule.
 34. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 33, wherein the RNA molecule comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 201 to SEQ ID NO: 225 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, and a complementary antisense sequence.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the RNA molecule further comprises 2 mer 3′ overhangs.
 37. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 35, wherein the sense sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 36 or a functional variant or homologue thereof.
 38. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 31, wherein the RNA comprises at least one modified nucleoside selected from inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N⁶-methyladenosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N⁶-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N⁶-methyladenosine.
 39. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 29, wherein the RNA molecule is isolated or derived from Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. var. mairei.
 40. A double-stranded RNA molecule comprising a sense sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 100 or a functional variant or homologue therefore, a complementary antisense sequence, and optionally a 3′ overhang.
 41. The double-stranded RNA molecule of claim 40 comprises at least one modified nucleoside selected from inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, N⁶-methyladenosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, N⁶-acetyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, pseudouridine, dihydrouridine, or 2-methylthio-N⁶-methyladenosine.
 42. A recombinant vector comprising the double-stranded RNA molecule of claim
 40. 